BOOK IT: NSFW at Royal Court Theatre

Get ready for a full-on snapshot of the mad, bad media world from the perspective of seasoned theatre playwright Lucy Kirkwood in NSFW at the Royal Court.

With successful plays like The National Theatre's Beauty and the Beast and a stint writing for E4's Skins behind her, she’s now bringing her new comedy to the Royal Court Theatre for a string of dates in October and November, and it’s about as topical as they get.

NSFW – or, un-acronymed, ‘Not Safe For Work’ – is Kirkwood’s debut on the Sloane Square stage, and takes a look of the power games and privacy that rumble around in media organisations.

The play looks through the lens of the magazine publishing industry, and sees Julian Barratt - one of the faces of absurd BBC comedy The Mighty Boosh – showing his ruthless side as the editor of lad’s mag Doghouse. Alongside him stars Henry Lloyd-Hughes – of Inbetweeners Movie and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire fame – as Doghouse journalist Rupert and Sacha Dhawan as Sam, the magazine’s newest recruit.

Other stars putting their name to Kirkwood’s comedy are E4’s Misfits’ Esther Smith, who will be flexing her muscles in the role of journalist Charlotte, and experienced stage star Janie Dee playing women’s magazine editor Miranda. To top it off, Kevin Doyle – better known as Downton Abbey’s Joseph Molesley – will be the mysterious Mr Bradshaw.

Kirkwood’s unmasking and playful dig at the dark side of the media will undoubtedly expose you to the industry’s rougher end, but expect a whole host of laughs and some star performances to take the edge off.

Book your tickets for this little gem now, the Royal Court always sells fast.

NSFW @ Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS. From October 25 to 24 November. Tickets from £12. For more information and to buy tickets go to royalcourttheatre.com